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Planning a family photo session in Hawaii ? Whether you’re a local or visiting paradise for the first time, capturing timeless memories with your loved ones is a must. At Kim Ebert Photography, we specialize in creating vibrant, heartwarming images that reflect the joy and connection of families against the stunning Hawaiian backdrop.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it's important to plan ahead for your family photo session.
In this guide, we’ll share expert tips for family photography that will help you prepare for your session, feel confident in front of the camera, and get the most out of your experience.
In Hawaii, lighting is everything. The golden hour—shortly before sunrise and sunset—offers soft, flattering light that adds warmth to your photos. Utilizing natural light during these times can dramatically improve your images, and choosing the right location can make a huge difference in the final result. Morning sessions can also be a great option for younger kids who are more energetic earlier in the day.
Finding the perfect location with beautiful natural light is often half the battle in creating stunning family photos. Carefully selecting your location ensures the best lighting conditions and enhances the overall aesthetic of your shoot.
Pro Tip: Avoid harsh midday sun, especially on the beach, to prevent squinting and harsh shadows.
One of the most common tips for family photography is to plan your outfits in advance and choose clothing that reflects your family's personality. For beach sessions in Hawaii, I recommend soft pastels or warm neutrals—think sand, oat, cream, or khaki—as these tones beautifully enhance the natural colors of sunrise or sunset. A combination of pastels and warm neutrals works especially well. Avoid dark colors, which can feel heavy in beach photos, and steer clear of bright white, as it often appears too harsh under the sun. Rather than matching exactly, aim for coordination with colors and textures. The goal is to help everyone feel comfortable and confident so your family’s genuine connection shines through.
Candid moments often turn out to be the most cherished, especially when children are simply being themselves—this often leads to genuine smiles and memorable moments. Don’t worry if your kids are extra energetic—embrace it! Play, laugh, and let your personalities shine through. Parents, especially moms, play a key role in creating a relaxed atmosphere, and a friendly approach from your photographer helps everyone feel at ease. At Kim Ebert Photography, we guide you with gentle posing and plenty of movement-based shots to keep things relaxed.
To help children and babies be happy and cooperative, make sure they are well rested and have had a full nap before the session. Offering a special treat as a reward after the session can also keep them motivated and smiling. Capturing candid moments with babies and young children often results in some of the most cherished family photos.
To help your Hawaii family photoshoot go smoothly, we recommend packing a few essentials to keep everyone comfortable, happy, and photo-ready.
- Water and Light Snacks for Kids:
Hydration is important under the Hawaiian sun. Bring easy-to-carry water bottles and mess-free snacks like crackers or fruit pouches to keep little ones energized throughout the session.
- Flip-Flops or Beach-Friendly Shoes:
While we don’t need covered shoes, having comfortable sandals or flip-flops makes it easier to move across sand or rocky areas without discomfort.
- Towel, Change of Clothes & Optional Swimsuits:
Since it’s common to get a little wet or sandy during beach shoots, it’s helpful to bring a towel and a change of clothes. If you’d like fun photos of the kids splashing in the water at the end, feel free to pack their swimsuits too!
Bringing the right equipment can make a huge difference in the outcome of your family photo session. Whether you’re a professional photographer or capturing your own family photos, being prepared ensures you can focus on the fun and connection, not technical hiccups. For group photos, a wide angle lens is a must—it helps fit everyone in the frame and captures the beautiful Hawaiian scenery. For those intimate close ups and portraits, a prime lens will give you crisp, stunning images that highlight authentic smiles and the unique personalities of your family members.
Don’t forget the essentials: extra batteries, memory cards, and, if possible, a backup camera. A tripod and camera remote can be a game changer, especially if you want to jump into the shot yourself or need to keep the camera steady for those energetic moments with younger kids. If you’re photographing families with little ones, consider bringing a few small toys or props to keep them engaged and happy during the session.
By packing thoughtfully, you’ll be able to focus on capturing those genuine moments and beautiful images, rather than worrying about missing a shot. The right gear lets you stay present and creative, so you can deliver family photos that everyone will treasure.
Great family photos are all about connection, and mastering posing and composition helps you capture that magic. Start by arranging family members in a way that feels natural—tallest in the back, little ones up front, and everyone close together. Encourage families to interact, play games, or share a laugh, rather than standing stiffly. This approach brings out authentic smiles and real moments that make each family portrait unique.
When it comes to composition, use the rule of thirds to create balanced, visually interesting images. Place your subjects off-center or use natural elements like palm trees or archways to frame the family and add depth to your photos. Don’t be afraid to get creative—try different angles, shoot from the same level as the kids, or capture candid moments as they unfold. Not every photo needs to be perfectly posed; sometimes the best images come from spontaneous laughter or a quick hug.
Remember, the goal of family photography is to capture the spirit and personality of each family. Focus on the love and connection between family members, and don’t worry if not everyone is looking at the camera or perfectly posed. With a little patience and a playful attitude, you’ll create family photos that are both beautiful and meaningful—images that tell the story of your family’s life together. And above all, don’t forget to have fun and let your creativity shine!
We know being in front of the camera isn’t always easy—but you’re in good hands! At Kim Ebert Photography, our photographers have extensive experience photographing families and know how to bring out natural smiles and genuine emotion. From choosing the perfect beach to photo editing—an essential part of the process to ensure each image looks its best—our goal is to deliver a gallery you’ll treasure forever.
When it comes to family photography, the most meaningful moments aren’t always the perfectly posed ones—they’re the genuine laughs, the spontaneous hugs, the sandy toes, and the windswept hair that tell your story as a family. The best photos happen when you let go of perfection and simply enjoy the experience.
Your kids don’t need to stand still or smile on command. In fact, some of the most cherished images come from the in-between moments—when they’re exploring, laughing, or being their wonderfully curious selves. Don’t worry if things feel a little messy or chaotic. That’s part of the beauty, and it's often what makes your photos feel real and full of life.
Let Kim Ebert Photography help you capture unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or just want to freeze time with your keiki, we’ll create stunning, joy-filled images you’ll love. Book with us today and let’s make magic happen!
Create everlasting memories in HawaiiKim Ebert is an Oahu couple photographer specializing in captivating Hawaii couple photography.
Kim Ebert is an Oahu family photographer specializing in captivating Hawaii family photography.
